Recently discovered this Carcassonne Castle Old Vine Alicante at a small wine shop in Madrid, and after trying it, I felt it was worth sharing with everyone. This wine comes from the Alicante region, made from old vines that are reportedly over 40 years old.
Let me start with the basics about this wine. The Alicante region is located in the Valencian Community, with a Mediterranean climate and limestone soil that’s particularly suitable for growing local grape varieties. The vineyard for this wine sits at approximately 600 meters elevation, with significant day-night temperature variations, so the grapes achieve a good balance between acidity and sugar content. The alcohol content is 14%, which is medium to high.
Flavor Analysis
When poured, the color is deep ruby red with noticeable legs on the glass. The aroma features black berries and black cherries, along with hints of spice and tobacco. On the palate, the tannins are quite soft without being astringent, with rich fruit flavors that aren’t cloying. Mid-palate reveals some mineral notes, with a long finish and subtle oak barrel aromas. Overall, this is a well-balanced wine, suitable for drinking now or aging for a few more years.
For food pairings, I’ve tried several combinations. It works best with roasted lamb chops, as the wine’s tannins balance the meat’s richness. It also pairs nicely with Iberian ham, where the salty savory notes complement the fruit flavors. For cheese, I’d recommend Manchego or other hard cheeses, as soft cheeses might overpower the wine’s character. Vegetarians can try pairing it with roasted mushrooms or eggplant, which also produces surprising results.
| Paired Food | Rating | Notes |
|---|
| Roasted Lamb Chops | ★★★★★ | Best pairing |
| Iberian Ham | ★★★★☆ | Balanced salinity |
| Manchego Cheese | ★★★★☆ | Hard cheese preferred |
| Roasted Vegetables | ★★★☆☆ | Vegetarian option |
Buying Recommendations
Price-wise, I bought it for 18 euros per bottle in Madrid, while friends in Barcelona say it’s around 20 euros there. If you buy directly from wineries in the Alicante region, you might find it at [Alicante Castle Hotel] for 2-3 euros less. It’s also available online, but be careful about shipping issues - avoid online purchases in summer as high temperatures during transport might affect the wine quality.
Personally, I think the value for money at this price point is quite good, more affordable than similarly priced Rioja or Priorat wines. For those just starting to explore Spanish wines, this is a solid entry-level choice. Experienced wine lovers might find the complexity somewhat lacking, but it’s perfectly adequate for everyday drinking.
Carcassonne Castle Old Vine Alicante is a wine worth trying. It’s not exceptionally outstanding, but it has no obvious flaws either, suitable for casual dining or personal enjoyment. If you have the chance to pass through the Alicante region, I recommend visiting Santa Barbara Castle and the wineries - the scenery is quite beautiful, and you can learn about the winemaking process firsthand. If you’ve tried this wine, feel free to share your [Carcassonne Alicante comparison] experiences.
